safari hotel opening time

Plan your day

What will you see first?

There's so much to see and do at Port Lympne Reserve, we recommend around 3-5 hours to experience everything the 600 acre reserve has to offer from endangered animals, walks with stunning views and historic landscaped gardens to good food and even a little retail therapy in our Gatehouse Gift Shop!

Don't miss a thing!

Over 800 animals live in the 600 acre reserve so you'll want to make sure you don't miss a thing! Check out our reserve map to find everything you need to make your day out run smoothly, including all your favourite animals, play areas, restaurants and toilet facilities. Don't forget to check the talk boards when you arrive for times of our fun, fact filled animal talks and feeds throughout the day.

Step back in time!

Marvel at the tremendous T Rex, stare at the Stegosaurus, feel the terror of the Pterodactyl and delight at the sheer size of the Diplodocus! Take a step back in time and come face-to-face with some of the most fearsome creatures to ever walk the Earth – all included in your admission ticket!

The gardens

Explore the 15 acres of landscaped gardens surrounding the Hotel to discover tranquil ponds, secluded nooks and historic statuary. The terraces with their floral borders offer the perfect spot for a picnic with a view.

Restaurants

Take a break from exploring and enjoy tasty dishes with local wines and Kentish brews at our restaurants or grab a quick snack and a delicious coffee at our seasonal kiosks. 

The Garden Room

Laid-back, unpretentious British plates packed full of flavour and quality ingredients

Babydoll's Pizza

Fresh sourdough pizza, pasta dishes and seasonal salads.

Pinewood Cafe

A tasty selection of sandwiches, pastries and coffees

Basecamp Cafe

Hot meals, sandwiches, coffee and snacks

Experiences & Encounters

Make your day out even more special with a close encounter with your favourite animal, head off on a safari adventure with an expert guide or learn how to capture that perfect shot on a wildlife photography course.

Animal Encounters

Get even closer to your favourite species on an unforgettable animal encounter. You will join a small group and one of our expert Animal Keepers, who will escort you to an exclusive, often behind-the-scenes area.

Feed the Animals

Join one of our friendly animal experts and a group of fellow animal-lovers on a 15-20 minute animal experience in a public area of the reserve.

Safari Experiences

Explore the rolling Kentish savannah on one of Port Lympne’s iconic safari experiences. These extended explorations across our African, Asian and South American safari zones offer a totally immersive safari experience unlike anything outside of Africa.

rainy day guarantee

Wet weather no problem.

Port Lympne Reserve is an outdoor experience, but we don't let a little rain stop play.  We recommend getting wrapped up in your waterproofs and fanciest wellies and finding the biggest puddles to splash in!

Shelter in the forest

As well as shelter from the worst of the Great British weather under the trees of Dinosaur Forest, you'll also find some of the fiercest creatures that ever roamed the earth lurking amongst the undergrowth. Spinosaurus makes a great umbrella while the kids explore the rest of the 3 acre woodland!

Once you've spotted the animals that love the rain (top tip: rhinos LOVE a mud bath!), you'll be ready for a steaming coffee or hot chocolate and a tasty treat at one of our restaurants.  The hotel bar is a cosy place to sit with a warming drink to watch the raindrops splashing in the ornamental pond or marvel at the thunderstorms across the English Channel beyond the reserve.

If the weather really has dampened your spirits,  our Rainy Day Guarantee for all day visitors who have booked in advance means that you can return to the Park free of charge within 30 days of your original booking.  Rainy Day tickets   must be claimed from the Gatehouse before you exit the Park on the day of your original booking.

Rainy day guarantee

Opening Times

We are open every day except Christmas Day!

❄️ Winter (1 November - 31 March)

Usual opening hours from 9:30am to 4pm. 

☀️ Summer (1 April - 28 October)

We're open from 9:30am to 6:00pm.

Daily Talks

Please see the information boards around the reserve for details of our fun and informative animal talks - all included in your admission ticket!

Don't miss our gorillas being fed at 12pm & 3pm daily at The Palace of the Apes and at the Gorilla Pavilion.

Getting here

Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve is located in the South East of England in Kent, and is within easy reach of the home counties of London, Surrey, Sussex, and Essex. You can reach us by road, rail and bus. Unlike many attractions, Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve is open all year, including Bank Holidays, with the sole exception of Christmas Day.

Get directions

By Public Transport

Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve lies on the B2067, and is just past Ashford, Kent, 5 minutes from J11 of the M20. It is a short distance from Canterbury, Folkestone and the southeast coast of England.

If you are travelling via car and prefer to use a Sat Nav please use the post code CT21 4LR. 

Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve is approximately 60 minutes from St Pancras International, London, on the high speed service or a 90 minute train journey from Charing Cross or Victoria railway station in London (Please see Southeastern website for details).

Take the train to Ashford International station, and from here take a bus journey or taxi from the domestic station side.

The Stagecoach East Kent number 10 bus runs between Ashford and Folkestone via the village of Sellindge, a 45 minute walk or short taxi journey from the reserve. For bus times please visit the stagecoach website.

If you prefer to travel to us by Coach, find your nearest service to Ashford International before connecting with the Stagecoach bus service or taxi service.

Park accessibility

We have endeavoured to ensure we can consistently deliver an inclusive environment for our visitors, providing an experience that can be used by everyone, regardless of age, gender or disability. Throughout the development of the reserve we have sought ways to break down any unnecessary physical barriers and continue to listen to the needs of our customers.

• The park is a combination of hilly and flat terrain that can sometimes be steep and uneven.
• Entrance to the park is via a ramped footbridge
• Designated disabled parking is available at the base of the footbridge on hard standing
• The majority of the park is accessible via ramped or level access
• A number of safari trucks can accommodate a single wheelchair or mobility scooter
• Wheelchairs are available for hire at the Gatehouse
• Disabled toilets and baby changing facilities are available throughout the park
• Please see full terms & conditions for our Assistance Dog Policy

Visit our Accessibility Page

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• Port Lympne
• Wildlife Park

EXPERIENCE THE WILD

What can you do at cebu safari & adventure park.

Come and experience the thrill and excitement of the WILD. From tigers to the species of the African Savanna, to meerkats and apes, and from the vast orchid collection in Michel’s Garden to the Gardens of the world, connect with animals and nature and learn how you can help conserve the planet.

The Park also caters to adventure seekers! Dare to conquer one of the longest and highest Ziplines in the country at 1.3 kms. long and 671 m. above sea level, ride on the Giant Swing, and cycle your way in the sky with our Sky Bike. Get your gear on and ride mountainous terrain with our ATV, too.

African Savanna Experience

White lion safari, safari camp.

WHAT’S NEW?

Get ready for CBM 2022’s GO Race Cebu: The Great Safari Experience on July 30!

by Cebu Safari | Jul 21, 2022 | What's New

You are probably aware that going on safari is not like any other holiday you may have taken…it’s really more! This is possibly what every delegate is thinking right now before the big day – July 30!  Organized by the Cebu Chamber of Commerce & Industry...

Run in the company of wild animals in Go Race Cebu: The Great Safari Experience on July 30

CEBU CITY, Philippines — How does running in the wild while being watched by elephants, tigers, impalas, and other exotic animals feel? Running enthusiasts will get the rare chance to answer this question in the unique and fun-filled Go Race Cebu: The Great Safari...

Running Wild: Go Race at Cebu Cebu Safari

Get ready to run, carry, and crawl through the lush hills of Carmen at the Go Race Cebu happening on July 30, 2022. Have you ever wanted to run through the jungle with the wind in your hair and the sand at your feet, as Savage Garden did? You can on July 30, 2022 at...

Park Schedule:

8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Open Everyday and Holidays (last entry/selling of tickets at 1:30 PM)

Expanded African Savanna

10:00 AM – 3:30 PM Open Everyday

Open Everyday 1:45 PM

9:00 AM – 3:00 PM Open Everyday

EXPLORE OUR SAFARI

Don’t get lost, get your own copy of our safari map.

FUN FOR EVERYONE

Bring the whole gang or family and enjoy, gardens of the world, atv driving trails, thrill rides, food and restaurants.

TAKE A PEEK

Want to take a quick peek.

GIRAFFE CAM

WHAT OUR GUESTS SAY

Hear what everyone has to say.

Review ★★★★★

“It’s really a good spot to bring your family for a day. My kids loved it. The spacing is good enough that you can walk around, but there are shuttles. Beware you can’t bring food in, even snacks for your kids. I guess they think you might feed the food to the animals. They have a food restaurants strategically along the pathway. So be sure to bring some cash with you incase you get hungry or thirsty, which you will.”

– Tony Stanyer

“Money well spent! The place is well-maintained, staff are nice and there are lots of cool animals to see! Everyone should consider this as part of the itinerary when they visit Cebu.”

– Keith Laganao

“The park may be far from the city, but the experience is worth it. It is designed beautifully, very organized, and clean. The landscape is so awesome. There are so many restaurants placed in strategic locations. The staffs are professional and very friendly. Experiencing the place will be an experience of a lifetime.”

– Mark & Maolyn Diongco

“We had great experience with nature here. Seeing the animal’s habitat and had some facts along the ways is a good way of knowing them. Had witnessed the birdshow and its fantastic. I wanna go back here next year.”

– Christian Philip

“To enjoy and appreciate this park fully get a tour guide. You won’t regret it”

– Edwin Grajo

“I was really amazed by the enormity of the venue. The animals are well maintained and the variety is amazing. Even though, it is lacking some animal shows, like in Singapore or Hong Kong, but I was assured that it is coming. The orchids garden is also attractive with so many species.”

– James Rockwell

“Want a safari adventure? Then this is the place to go. With so many animals to view, lions, zebras, orangutans and many more. They also have a flower garden, orchid garden, bird show and many more. Don’t worry about the food, they have plenty of restaurants. Now, they have new adventure rides, like the zipline, sky bicycle and the ATV trail ride.”

– Joel Borga

This is one of the best zoos in the world! I’m amazed and impressed by the quality of the place and the health of the animals. Such a rare jewel in the Philippines. I’d say this is a must see if you’re visiting Cebu and have had your fill of beach days.

– Marcy Babor

“Truly worth the travel and worth the pay! Everything was in proper order and I so love the place and the animals of course I love how me and my family enjoyed our trip here! “

– Ebeb Gen

As a Canadian who has been to many zoos in the world (Toronto metro zoo, Canada, Artis in the Netherlands, Berlin zoo, Germany to name a few ) Cebu Safari & Adventure Park ranks up there with the best of them. I’ve been there twice and will be going back again. Beautiful zoo and gardens. Do yourself a favor and just GO!!!

Just want to commend the management. It was a beautiful experience for the entire family. To start with, you have courteous employees in the field, and they seem to love their job. The animals are healthy and looks well fed. It was indeed beyond our expectation. Looking forward to more animals and more activities and events ahead. Happy New Year!

In fairness, the safety and hygiene protocols as well as the service at the Cebu Safari were impressive.

Even if it’s not my first time, the park always offers a unique experience bcoz I never know what the “residents” will be doing…Sometimes they show up, other times not; some put on a show, others sit still like statues (haha)..I don’t get tired of looking at the giraffes feeding… or the birds preening… I wonder where the camels are at, and why the snakes have taken a back stage. I just wish there were more educational talks, even recorded ones…Oh well, but I do love the place so much! Thanks!

We really enjoy touring the whole Cebu Safari…Despite the Pandemic we had given the chance to visit the most amazing place in our neighboring town…All the staff are very accommodating…All of us had enjoy especially the kids…I would definitely recommend this place as one of the best place to visit…???

Service was impeccable. Kudos to their staffs especially at the camp area and reception. The place was also amazingly clean. Old and young can come together and enjoy mother nature at its fullest.

Staff – 10/10 customer service Place – 10/10 Stuff to learn – 10/10 The fauna – well managed and well treated The flora – superb! Salute to the landscape work Experience – awesome

We are definitely coming back and will tag along more people with us

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Animal Feeding

Check out how our keepers feed the safari animals. Currently, we have feeding schedules for our giraffes, white Bengal tigers, and orange Bengal tigers.

Orange Bengal tiger feeding is at 10:30 AM White Bengal tiger feeding is at 2:30 PM Giraffe feeding is at 3:00 PM

Petting Zoo

Kids, have a chance to pet our baby farm animals! Meet and greet with our baby goats and cows, ducks, rabbits, and more.

Operating hours: 09:00 AM - 12:00 NN; 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Meet the king of the wild!

Meet our white lions all the way from France and Germany. Take the enclosed safari truck and enjoy the 15-minute ride in the white lion’s habitat.

Cut-off for tickets: 1:30 PM Operating Hours:  09:00 AM to 03:00 PM

Pick-up Points: Basecamp and Orangutown

See Cebu Safari birds in action!

You can see various birds on the stage: from the friendly macaws, chattering lories, and African crowned crane to raptures like Philippine sea eagle, Philippine owl, and Philippine hawk. See their tricks and talents, and know more about our aviary friends at the Bird Show.

1:45 PM Daily.

African Savanna

Experience the thrill of an African safari ride! For the first time in the country, get up close and personal with zebras and African antelopes in this unique safari ride. Take the vehicle tour inside the African Savanna, and witness these animals in their habitat.

Operating hours: 10:00 AM - 3:30 PM

Michel's Garden

Michel’s Garden is a flora walking trail showcasing a vast orchid garden and featuring Senyorito’s 40-year-old orchid collection. Phalaenopsis, vanda strap-leaf, debdrobium, and oncidium are just a few types of the one million orchids you can see at the garden. For plantsmen, different types of plants and orchids are also available for purchase at Michel’s Garden.

Gardens of the World

Gardens of the World is a beautiful tunnel garden featuring different kinds of plants from all over the world. You can see flora, landscapes, and representations of the seven continents, that’s why it’s called Gardens of the World! For North America flora representation, there are cacti and succulents. There is also a replica of the famous Iguazu falls for South America. Appreciating European culture, there are statues of Roman Gods and Goddesses you can see inside the garden. To represent the flora of Africa, there are cape leadwort and asparagus ferns, among others. There is also a Japanese Garden featuring bonsai trees and pagodas, representing Asia. Lastly, Antarctic flora consists of mosses and ferns which are also featured in the Gardens of the World.

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Radisson Safari Hotel Hoedspruit

Enjoy our spa and fitness center, local cuisine, and bright rooms among pristine nature in the heart of the Lowveld

• Restaurants & Bars
• Nearby Attractions
• Please note that our spa facilities and Pegasus restaurant will be opening later in 2024.

Discover our thoughtful services, from exciting activities to a relaxing spa experience

Plan an unforgettable stay at Radisson Safari Hotel Hoedspruit, tucked between two nature reserves. Our hotel offers everything you’ll need for a comfortable and delightful stay in Hoedspruit. Unwind at the spa and fitness center, hang out by the pool, and kids will love our Kids’ Club. Let the adventure begin at our activity desk, where you’ll find plenty of activities to do in the area. Try local and international flavors at our on-site restaurants while you take in mesmerizing views of the surrounding mountains.

Highlighted services

The fun never stops—kids can splash around in the water fountain play area, play games, or take an educational bushwalk to discover local wildlife. All activities are supervised. Open daily from 10 am-6 pm.

Situated in Amani Spa, enjoy high-quality hairdressing and services without having to leave the hotel. We offer the latest trends in hairstyles, colors, and treatments. Open daily from 8 am-5 pm.

Dedicated Activity Desk

Whether you’re an adrenaline junky or prefer a romantic game drive for two, our activity desk provides daily activities and excursions for all—from hot air ballooning to horseback riding. Open daily from 6 am-9 pm.

Airport shuttle

Shuttle bus

Games and activities for children

Meeting facilities

Meeting facilities/social space

Outdoor pool

On-site spa and wellness facility

Concierge service

Multilingual staff

Breakfast buffet

Delicious food options to go

Grab & Go Breakfast

On-site dining

On-site restaurant(s)

Room service

Babysitting

Cots available

Cots available upon request

Dry cleaning

Dry cleaning services

Laundry service

Online check-in

Online Check In

Early check-in

Upon prior request and subject to availability

Express check-out

Fitness center

Fitness Center

On-site hair styling

Hybrid conference

Hybrid Conference

Hybrid meeting

Hybrid Meeting

Safety deposit box

Luggage storage

Minibar or fridge

In-room beverages and snacks

Non-smoking

Non-smoking rooms available

Safety & security certification

Safehotels Alliance certified

Sports Approved

Accessibility

Please contact us for more information about accessibility at our hotel.

• Automatic door at entrance
• Dog bed for service animals
• Guide dogs welcome
• PEEP (Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan) available and explained
• Step-free entrance
• Wheelchair accessible bathroom in foyer area
• Wheelchair available to borrow

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Let us answer your questions and help create your day at the San Diego Zoo!  Search our extensive FAQ, or chat with our 24-hour virtual assistant.  

2920 Zoo Drive, San Diego, CA 92101

From Interstate 5 (Los Angeles and Orange County), take the Pershing Drive exit and follow the signs. From Interstate 15 (Escondido and Riverside), take State Route 163 south to the Park Blvd./I-5 South exit. Exit at Park Blvd. Turn left on Park Blvd. and head north; Zoo parking entrance is off Park Blvd. at Zoo Place.

From Interstate 5 (Mexico), take the State Route 163 north exit, then the Zoo/Museums (Richmond Street) exit and follow the signs to the Zoo parking lot.

From State Route 94, proceed into downtown San Diego to 11th Avenue. Turn right on 11th Avenue and proceed north to A Street. Turn right on A Street, and then make a quick left onto Park Blvd. and head north; Zoo parking entrance is off Park Blvd. at Zoo Place.

Parking is free in the lot in front of the Zoo. Additional free parking is available throughout Balboa Park. For your convenience, the Zoo is offering additional free parking at the Inspiration Point parking lot (located at Park Blvd. and Presidents Way, just 5 minutes south of the zoo).

Ride our FREE SHUTTLE directly to the Zoo entrance from the Inspiration Point parking lot at Presidents Way. Our shuttle will run from 11:00am to 9:00pm weekends beginning May 25 through September 1 (except 6/15/24).

It’s easy to get here on public transit. Rapid 215 and Route 7 stop at the Zoo and are an easy connection in downtown from Amtrak and COASTER trains at the Santa Fe Depot, downtown hotels, the Cruise Ship Terminal, Blue, Orange, and Green Line Trolleys and other MTS bus routes. For fare and schedule information, call 511, or visit sdmts.com.

Families Save on MTS Family Weekends! On Saturday and Sunday, two children (12 and under) ride MTS Bus and Trolley routes FREE with a paid adult (18 and over)!

San Diego Zoo App

Apple iOS download here ▸ Android download here ▸

Visiting the Zoo has never been easier, with the San Diego Zoo app! Discover dining, activities, and more with the GPS-enabled map. Get ready for your visit by importing tickets and memberships to the digital wallet, adding your must-see wildlife to the day planner, viewing today's schedule, and much more.

View the San Diego Zoo's classic illustrated map on your mobile or desktop browser. Find your favorite wildlife, plan your visit, and check out all the San Diego Zoo has to offer.

Download the PDF here ▸

Guest Services

Our Guest Services booth is located inside the Zoo, to the left of the Bus Tour entrance. Open daily to closing.

Guest Services information ▸

Guests with Disabilities

The San Diego Zoo welcomes all guests. We have several services to help our guests with disabilities enjoy their visit. The Zoo provides dedicated parking, restrooms, and access to experiences, tour buses, and habitat areas for guests with disabilities. Please note there are steep grades in parts of the Zoo.

Our ADA shuttle service is available on an on-call basis for our guests with mobility-related disabilities and can accommodate all standard wheelchairs and the types of electronic conveyance vehicles (ECVs) allowed on grounds.

Contact any Zoo team member or volunteer to request service and get directions to the nearest pickup location. Space is limited and reserved for those who need it most. Guests who use mobility assistive devices may also refer to the Zoo map for ADA pathways and elevators.

Guest accessibility services and policies▸

Download Accessibility Map for Guests with Disabilities (PDF)▸

Safari Park

15500 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, California 92027-7017

The Safari Park is the San Diego Zoo’s sister park to the northeast in Escondido. Distance between the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park is 35 miles. Please allow 45 minutes to 1 hour travel time.

Purchase a two-visit pass ▸

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Radisson opens first Safari hotel in South Africa

Premium suites feature private pools and a sun deck.

Go back to the e-newsletter

Radisson Hotel Group has premiered its first safari hotel in Africa with the opening of Radisson Safari Hotel Hoedspruit in South Africa. Wedged between two renowned nature reserves, Kruger National Park and Blyde River Cayon, the property is 2km outside of Hoedspruit in the heart of the grasslands in the Limpopo province.

Boasting views of the Drakensberg mountains, the highest mountain range in Southern Africa, Radisson Safari Hotel Hoedspruit is surrounded by destination-immersing activities. Guests can take part in bucket-list safari adventures to spot local wildlife such as lions, rhinoceros, and elephants, go trekking on horseback, or take in the sprawling landscape from a hot air balloon.

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Radisson Safari Hotel Hoedspruit offers a range of room types from standard rooms with garden and mountain views to Premium Suites featuring their own private pools and relaxing outdoor seating areas. With a contemporary Scandinavian design, the hotel’s 138 rooms and suites provide a calming setting with natural materials, wooden details and rich, earthy colours that pay homage to its African surroundings.

At the thatched roof restaurant, Mirage , guests can enjoy South African and Lebanese-inspired cuisine on the restaurant’s wrap-around deck, with convenient access to a sunbathing area and pool in the summer, as well as an outdoor fireplace on cooler evenings. Pegasus restaurant offers fresh and wholesome Mediterranean, Italian, Mexican, and American-inspired dishes as well as gourmet ice cream and frozen cocktails, served alongside the adults-only swimming pool. At the hotel’s third restaurant, Boma , guests can indulge in some of Africa’s most popular delicacies such as the local sausage, Boerewors; Bobotie; and selection of game meat.

Premium Suites

“The opening of Radisson Safari Hotel Hoedspruit marks our 11th hotel opening in South Africa and completes our own Golden Triangle Safari offering with exquisite properties in Cape Town and the recently opened Radisson Blu Resort Mosi-oa-Tunya in Livingstone,” said Tim Cordon, Chief Operating Officer, Middle East & Africa, Radisson Hotel Group .

Featuring a planter roof and inspiring views of the surrounding grasslands, Radisson Hotel Safari Hoedspruit will offer a tranquil and rejuvenating escape at its Amani Spa. Guests can indulge in a variety of pampering treatments in the spa’s five treatment rooms including a private couple’s suite.

See radissonhotels.com/en-us/hotels/radisson-safari-hoedspruit

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San Diego Zoo Safari Park

Jambo a safari adventure in san diego.

 Welcome to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, where life-changing moments happen daily. Set out on safari and discover 1,800 acres of sprawling savannas teeming with wildlife as well as world-class botanical gardens—there’s no place like it on Earth. Encounter rhinos, giraffes, wildebeest, and large herds of wildlife roaming together. Journey through bamboo forests and come face-to-face with Sumatran tigers. Hop alongside kangaroos and dive underwater to meet the only two platypuses outside of Australia. And experience the awe-inspiring giants of Elephant valley. When you’re here, you’ll discover adventure is in every moment. And a moment can change a lifetime. 

Neighborhood: North Inland

15500 San Pasqual Valley Rd Escondido, CA 92027-9614

Contact Info

(619) 718-3000 Toll-Free: (800) 407-9534

Please check our website for current hours.

More To Know:

• Located 30 miles north of downtown San Diego - and well worth the trip!
• The San Diego Zoo Safari Park is open 365 days a year
• Plan a full day & bring walking shoes, sunscreen and water for your adventures
• Safaris do fill up; book online ahead of time to ensure your spot
• Lovely facilities for catered weddings, parties and other group events!

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• Marvel at eagles, owls and an Andean condor at Frequent Flyers
• Visit the World Gardens to see amazing and rare plants
• Autumn Festival On The Weekends From 10/7 -10/29
• Kids Free month with free admission for kids 11 and younger during October

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Kilimanjaro Safaris

A Truly Wild Adventure

Explore the Harambe Wildlife Reserve, home to over 30 species living in 110 acres of picturesque open plains, shady forest landscapes and rocky wetlands. Your rugged safari vehicle is driven by an expert guide, who helps point out animals and shares fascinating wildlife facts during this extraordinary 18-minute expedition.

Unique Animal Sightings Spot a lounging hippopotamus nestled in a peaceful pond. Behold a regal lion sunbathing on a rocky perch. Drive past a towering giraffe grazing on the tall trees or a white rhino relaxing in the cool mud. Other amazing animals you may encounter include cheetahs, crocodiles, elephants, painted dogs, zebras—and so many more!

Since animals have minds of their own, every expedition is a unique and unforgettable experience. Be sure to keep your eyes open and have a camera ready—you never know what you’ll see on a Kilimanjaro Safaris outing.

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Wild africa trek, disney animals at walt disney world resort, even more magic – as you wish, guests also viewed, safety, accessibility and guest policies, times for kilimanjaro safaris.

Home > Road Trip Itineraries > West Coast > California Road Trip Itineraries > California Coast > San Diego Travel Guide > A Guide to San Diego Zoo and the Zoo Safari Park

A Guide to San Diego Zoo and the Zoo Safari Park

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San Diego County is home to two parks dedicated to animals – in addition to the famous SeaWorld focused on marine life – and each of them is worth a visit. In this article, I will try to highlight the differences between the San Diego Zoo and the Zoo Safari Park , to help you decide which one you prefer to visit.

How to get to the San Diego Zoo

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The park aims to protect a large number of animal species from all over the world. The revenue generated from admission to the zoo funds research and animal protection projects, including the 22 years of research carried out on the giant panda, the release of specimens of 44 different species into the wild by the zoo, and conservation projects in 45 countries around the world.

If you’re already inside Balboa Park, just follow the signs from each area of the park to walk to the zoo. If you are driving from another area of the city, enter Zoo Dr as your destination in the GPS. The road ends right at the parking lot in front of the park entrance.

Do you intend to get here by   public transportation instead? In that case, you need to get off at the Park Bl & Zoo Pl bus stop, where Buses 7 and 215 arrive. Finally, another alternative is to take advantage of the bike-sharing system in San Diego. One of the stations where you can leave your bikes is right at the entrance to the zoo.

If you want to avoid wasting time or getting lost , go to this website where you will find information about the convenient shuttle service from your hotel to the Zoo.

The zoo is open every day of the year, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm . There are two types of tickets to choose from:

• Day Pass: $58 . Includes admission to the zoo, a guided bus tour, and access to the Kangaroo Express Bus and Skyfari Aerial Tram. For children 3 to 11 years old, admission is $48 .
• Day Pass Plus: $64. In addition to the standard ticket, it also includes an entrance to the 4D Theatre. For children from 3 to 11 years old, admission is $54 .

You can book in advance by clicking on the button below, so you won’t waste time in long lines at the ticket office, since the ticket includes the “skip the line” option.

Zoo Tickets

If you are planning to visit both San Diego Zoo and Zoo Safari Park , you can save money and purchase this combined ticket that is valid for two days.

Zoo + Safari Park Combined Ticket

On this website , you can discover all the animal species in the zoo.

• Guided bus tour . Included in all entrance tickets, this open-top bus runs from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm and takes you on a full 35-minute tour of the zoo. Throughout the journey, you can listen to a narrator give information about the zoo.
• Kangaroo Bus . Every day, from 10:30 am to 4:30 pm, there is this shuttle that allows you to get on and off at four different stops. The Kangaroo bus runs every 15 minutes and is included in your ticket.
• Skyfari Aerial Tram . The most impressive way to cross the zoo from one end to the other is this cable car, which is an exciting attraction, especially for children.

The San Diego Zoo is so large that if you visit it in general, you might miss out on a lot. There are numerous guided tours that follow specific themes and can help you make the most of your day. Are you an experienced photographer? Don’t miss the sunrise photo tour with a guide who will take your photos in the calm morning before the gates open. At different times throughout the day, there are animal encounters scheduled that allow visitors to approach and pet certain species.

See all the thematic itineraries

In addition to the different themed areas where you can admire the animals in their habitat, you can also watch shows where the animals are the protagonists .

• Wild about animals . Every day at 3:00 pm, at the Wegeforth Bowl, wild animal trainers will surprise you with their demonstrations. Note: At certain times this show is replaced by a simpler presentation of animals at the Centennial Wall, which is right next door.
• Zoolittle Explores Australia . Every Saturday and Sunday, at 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm, the whole family can have fun in the company of the cheerful Dr. Zoolittle and his very nice animals.

Another feature that differentiates the San Diego Zoo from most other zoos is that it has a 4D cinema . The 1-Day Pass Plus gives visitors access to a 4D show. Click here to see what 4D show is being shown right now.

At lunchtime, Albert’s Restaurant is open . Given the size of the park, I personally advise against sitting at a restaurant to eat, because you risk wasting a lot of time. At the zoo, you will find many other places where you can have pizza, sandwiches, fried food, and all sorts of fast food . On this website , you will find all the places to eat in the park.

Balboa Park , where the San Diego Zoo is located, is one of the most beautiful areas of the city and it may be worth it to spend the night in the area, especially if you are planning to visit the zoo. That way you can enter the park early in the morning and not waste too much time at the ticket office and you will beat the crowds. Click on the following link to read out tips for finding accommodations in the best areas of San Diego, including Balboa Park.

Our tips for finding accommodations in San Diego and near the zoo

San Diego Zoo Safari Park

You can also get there by public transportation, but you’ll have to take into account that it will take longer to get there. It takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes to get there by bus , because in addition to the distance you need to change buses. The fastest way is to take Bus 235 at any stop along Broadway to Escondido Transit Center. From here, take Bus 371 to the Hwy 78 & Wap Outside Gate stop.  You will then walk for 15 minutes to reach the park.

In case you do not have a car and do not want to spend half of the day by bus, you could consider this round-trip transportation  from your hotel directly to the park.

Alternatively, it may be convenient for you to buy your ticket that includes both transportation from the hotel and admission to the Zoo Safari Park.

Ticket + Transportation from San Diego to the Zoo Safari Park

The zoo is open every day of the year, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm . The day pass costs $58 and includes admission to Safari Park, the Africa Tram, Cheetah Run, and all shows. For children from 3 to 11 years old, admission is $48 .

You can book in advance the “skip the line” pass by clicking on the button below, so you don’t waste time in long lines at the ticket office.

Discover the cheapest tickets for the Zoo Safari Park

If you are planning to visit both San Diego Zoo and Zoo Safari Park , you can save money by purchasing this combined ticket valid for two days.

Buy the Zoo + Safari Park combined ticket

Some areas of the Safari Park are dedicated to other areas of the world, in particular Australia and Asia . On this website , you can download the map of the park to get a precise idea of how it is structured and where there is to see.

Every day, at various times, Nairobi Station hosts close encounters with different species ranging from the cute goats that you can pet to the parrots that will come to eat from your hands. On this website , you can see all the animals.

There are also multiple shows to see animals perform. The protagonists are usually the birds of prey that perform incredible aerial acrobatics. To learn more about the shows, go to this website .

The Cheetah Run is also included in the admission. Have you ever seen a cheetah hunting its prey? In this case, there won’t be bloodshed in front of your eyes (you will see him chasing a puppet), but you will be able to admire how fast this feline can run.

• Africa Tram . Included in the ticket, this train is active every day starting at 10:00 am. It travels across some of the main areas of the park.
• Cart Safari ($53) . This is a guided tour that lasts 1 hour and you can choose between the Africa or Asia sections. This customized safari enters areas that are normally not accessible to the public so visitors on the tour can see the animals more closely.
• Caravan Safari ($121) . During the 2-hour safari on an off-road vehicle, you will get closer to the animals and have incredible experiences, such as feeding giraffes.
• Behind the scene ($87) . This is a series of guided tours, usually of 90 minutes, to see some specific animals up close and discover more about them.

There are also other types of safari, which you can find on this website .

My advice is to take a look at the descriptions of the dining options before your visit, so you can plan on where to stop and eat a quick bite. Otherwise, you might be forced to find a table at a restaurant, which is not the fastest option.

The park is located on the outskirts of Escondido . Since Escondido is so close, staying overnight here will save you time on the day you visit the Zoo Safari Park. It’s also a great solution if you’re planning a road trip that includes other interesting stops in Southern California , such as the fascinating Anza-Borrego State Park we’ve already talked about in our California deserts guide .

Find a hotel in Escondido

If you are looking for accommodations in San Diego and you are not sure which neighborhood to choose, you can have a look at our article with specific recommendations for each neighborhood in San Diego.

Our tips for finding accommodations in San Diego

Warning: Operating hours can change and closures for extraordinary events can occur, so we strongly suggest to check the venues official websites.

Andrea Cuminatto

Journalist and traveler. I love seeing new places, but more than anything, I love to meet those who live there.

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Safari Park Single Day Tickets

Buy online and save, 1-day pass – any day.

Includes: One visit to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park®, Africa Tram, and all regularly scheduled experiences. Experiences above subject to availability.

1-Day Pass Any Day tickets valid any day within one year from date of purchase. Cannot be exchanged for Value Days ticket. No reservation required.

Additional $2 Mandatory Processing Fee Charged Per Ticket

1-Day Pass – Value Days

1-Day Pass Value Days tickets valid on any Value Day (see calendar)  within one year from date of purchase. Cannot be combined with any other discount/offer/promotion. No reservation required.

$72   $68

$62   $58, multi-day / multi-park tickets, 2-visit pass.

Includes: One visit to the San Diego Zoo and one visit to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park -or- Two visits to the San Diego Zoo -or- Two visits to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. Two total visits by the same person on any and all days.

2-Visit Pass tickets valid on any day within one year from date of purchase. Tickets cannot be combined with any other discount/offer/promotion. 2-Visit Pass cannot be exchanged for Value Days tickets. No reservation required.

San Diego 3-for-1 Pass

Enjoy visits to the San Diego Zoo, San Diego Zoo Safari Park, and SeaWorld® San Diego. The San Diego 3-for-1 Pass is valid for one visit per attraction—three total visits—by the same person on any and all days. Valid for seven consecutive days from the first visit.    

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Discover 55+ top San Diego attractions and enjoy incredible savings with Go City. Meet wildlife at the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, spend the day at SeaWorld®, explore the USS Midway, cruise the bay with Speedboat Adventures, and more!

San Diego CityPASS®

One easy purchase saves big on admission to San Diego's top attractions and theme parks, including San Diego Zoo Safari Park, SeaWorld®, and LEGOLAND®. 

No need to decide now, choose which attractions as you go. Visit the attractions at your own pace, in any order, over a 9-day period. No reservation required.

Membership offers a variety of ways to visit both the Zoo and Safari Park all year long. Please visit our membership pages for more details.

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San Diego Zoo Gift Cards make the perfect gift! A gift card is valid toward San Diego Zoo and Safari Park admission packages, gift shop and food-stand purchases, tours and education programs, Zoo memberships, and more!

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Rolling with the punches: New resorts and hotels opening in Collier County in 2024, and beyond

Collier County's tourism industry has rolled with the punches.

Oh, and there have been plenty of them.

Over the past 20 years, the industry has faced everything from the jolt of the Great Recession to the blow of Hurricane Ian.

Other jabs? The Gulf oil spill, wildfires and more hurricanes than can easily be remembered, or counted.

Then there's the black eye of unpredictable red tide and blue-green algae blooms that make a mess of the beach, chasing visitors away – an all-too-frequent occurrence.

The hotel industry in Collier County has overcome a lot, getting back on its feet, with few exceptions. At times recovery has taken longer than hoped, or expected.

The quaint Lemon Tree Inn, off U.S. 41, near Fifth Avenue South in downtown Naples, took a beating from Ian in 2022 and never reopened. However, the aged 34-room hotel appeared destined for redevelopment anyway. A new three-story mixed-use building, including 12 residences, is planned to replace it.

At last count, Collier had 70 hotels and resorts, with 7,711 rooms – about the same number as in 2019 before the COVID pandemic hit, according to CoStar. But more are coming.

The current tally includes the 150-room AC Marriott hotel, which opened in downtown Naples in December, at the corner of Goodlette-Frank Road and Fifth Avenue South. Built from scratch the new three-story hotel includes a ground-floor café, 2,500 square feet of event space and a rooftop restaurant.

Another newcomer? The Compass Hotel by Margaritaville in central Naples, off U.S. 41, near Pine Ridge Road. The Jimmy Buffett-inspired, upscale all-suite, boutique-style hotel by  TPI  Hospitality has 119 suites, with studio, one-bedroom or two-bedroom options.

While it didn't add to the inventory of rooms, the rebranded hotel offers new experiences.

With an island getaway vibe, the reimagined hotel has an array of amenities. Offerings include the 5 o'Clock Somewhere Bar & Grill, and The Backyard – an outdoor entertainment and gathering spot with a pool, live entertainment, backyard games, and fire pit tables.

More than 200 attended a grand opening ceremony in late April, at the revitalized property, the former home of a Staybridge Suites for more than two decades.

“One of the greatest things about the Margaritaville concept, and we have it at Fort Myers Beach, and we have it here now in Naples, is that we welcome day guests. Come here for breakfast, come here for lunch, come here for dinner, come here for happy hour. Just come here to hang out. We're open to the public," said Tom Torgerson, Co-CEO of TPI Hospitality.

The opening was two years in the making.

The renovation and rebranding were "just a quantum leap," Torgerson said.

“When you stay at our resort here, the moment you walk in through the front doors, you'll notice a sense of a transformation, whereby you're leaving the hectic hustle bustle of your everyday, whatever you've been doing, and your mind starts to relax and restore. It's just not your traditional lodging experience," he said.

More hotels opening soon

Dirt is flying on a handful of new hotels and resorts, with more in the planning stages, in the county, following a national trend.

Ones already under construction include:

• The Great Wolf Lodge South Florida : 500 rooms
• The Hampton Inn and Suites by Hilton Naples South : 124 rooms
• The Naples Beach Club, a Four Seasons Resort : 216 rooms
• The Old Naples Hotel: 109 rooms
• The Perry Hotel Naples : 160 rooms

Combined, they will add another 1,100 rooms to the roster.

"What that implies is that developers are still very keen to expand in Naples. And that the leisure travel demand that we saw coming out of COVID is expected to remain robust for your market," said Jan Freitag, the national director for hospitality analytics at the CoStar Group.

By leisure travel demand, he means vacationers, rather than corporate, or group travelers. Business travel, in particular, still hasn't fully recovered from COVID, and some predict it will never be the same.

"The good news is that the leisure traveler is back, the group traveler is coming back, and the corporate transient traveler is not back yet, but it's getting better," Freitag said.

Nationally, hotel construction is booming. According to CoStar, more than 156,000 rooms were under construction as of March across the U.S., with more than 263,000 in the final planning stages. In part, it's making up for lost time during the pandemic, which slowed the pipeline.

Several new properties are expected to debut this year in Collier, including the Perry Hotel in July, and the Hampton Inn in late September.

The Great Wolf Lodge, which includes an expansive indoor water park, has announced a grand opening on Sept. 25.

"The expansion of hotel offerings in the destination increases our competitive advantage by offering a wider variety of choices for visitors. The addition of new properties such as the AC Hotel Naples and Compass by Margaritaville that opened this year, and Great Wolf Lodge that will open this fall, expands our appeal to different market segments, including families and business travelers," said Sandra Rios, a communications manager for Collier County's tourism division.

The county, she said, continues to experience "high demand as an upscale travel destination for individuals and families that are seeking the exclusive experiences that we are known for," from the beaches and restaurants to the recreational and cultural offerings.

"Hotel expansion brings economic benefits directly to the community through employment opportunities and increased tax revenues that support a multitude of programs and projects in Collier County," Rios said.

The county's leisure and hospitality industry employs more than 32,000 in peak season.

While down from 2022, the industry's economic impact still totaled $3.67 billion last year.

Four Seasons to debut next year

The Four Seasons Resort, part of the new Naples Beach Club development, off Gulf Shore Boulevard, is expected to open in early 2025.

It will be the first Four Seasons on Florida's Gulf Coast for the Canadian-based luxury heavyweight.

The five-star destination resort will replace the former Naples Beach Hotel – and will be fancier, but smaller. When the landmark hotel closed after more than 70 years in operation, the county lost 319 guest rooms and suites from its lineup.

The new resort will have 215 rooms, nearly 100 fewer than its predecessor.

Jay Newman, a principal and chief operating officer for The Athens Group, developers of the Naples Beach Club, said the new hotels and resorts in Naples and elsewhere in Collier County will "only improve the guest and visitor experience and will provide them with a full range of lodging and dining options."

"Naples is in the midst of a renaissance, as more and more people discover this very desirable and attractive community to visit, live and work," he said. "Its smart growth, beautiful beaches, wonderful restaurants, and world-class cultural and recreational offerings and experiences have further elevated Naples as a sophisticated, but relaxed destination."

Building a new hotel or resort is no easy feat. It can take many years to go from planning to construction.

Complications arising from the coronavirus pandemic delayed construction of the new "Old Naples Hotel" for more than one and a half years. It is now moving ahead.

Patrick Walsh, a principal in Ocean Properties Hotels & Resorts, which has partnered with the Camalier family on the project, said site work began in April, after a "bit of a speed bump," referring to the aftermath of the pandemic, which included major supply chain disruptions.

Construction is expected to take about 18 months, with a targeted opening in 2025.

The hotel is replacing the Third Street Plaza at Broad Avenue and Gordon Drive in downtown Naples, demolished in late 2021 to make way for the new development. The long-vacant plaza had become an eyesore in the otherwise bustling shopping and dining district.

Naples City Council gave a final thumbs-up to the project in 2018, with some compromises.

From our archives: Naples City Council approves Old Naples Hotel project

Plans call for 109 rooms, down from the original 118. There are 34,500 square feet of usable open space, representing more than 37% of the land it will sit on.

The project also includes two retail shops, an indoor cafe with outdoor dining, a rooftop pool, a spa, and a corner sundry shop.

On a quieter street, away from the hustle and bustle of Fifth Avenue South, the hotel will offer something different, close to the beach, and near bedroom communities, Walsh said, so it should fare well, despite the growing competition.

"We feel like that one is going to be pretty well protected," he said.

More hotels on the horizon

A report by CoStar shows other hotels in the early or later stages of planning in Collier, including:

• The Aquarius Hotel: 18 rooms
• The ECHO Suites Extended Stay by Wyndham Naples: 124 rooms
• The Ellington: 125 rooms

More: 3-story hotel, Aqua restaurant to replace Pastrami Dan's, Liki Tiki BBQ on 9th in Naples

And: Back to the drawing board? Developer rethinking hotel, convention center in East Naples

The Aquarius, a three-story upscale boutique hotel, with an Aqua restaurant on the ground floor, is planned off U.S. 41, near Sixth Avenue North in Naples.

The new building would replace a one-story strip center that's home to a few eateries, including the  Liki Tiki BBQ  and  Pastrami Dan's . The site plan is under review by city staffers, and city council will have to approve it, along with granting the lodging and outdoor dining requests.

The Design Review Board would have to give the final sign-off on the project before a building permit could be issued. Preliminary design plans garnered unanimous approval from the board last August.

The rapidly expanding ECHO Suites brand launched in 2022.

The low-cost, extended-stay brand's expansion plans include a 124-room hotel at 3670 Income Lane, off Collier Boulevard, near Interstate 75, close to the Paradise Coast Sports Complex.

The Ellington is a long-planned condo-hotel in the pizza-sliced mini-triangle area of East Naples, at the corner of U.S. 41 East and Davis Boulevard, just outside the Naples city limits. The high-rise project has faced many hurdles, and the developers haven't shared any updates lately.

The now-vacant, roughly 2-acre site has a rocky past. There have been several failed attempts by others to redevelop the property — at 1705 and 1807 U.S. 41 East.

According to the project's website, it will have 125 keys – including to some "impressive honeymoon and presidential suites," with an approved maximum height of 110 feet. The top floor will be "dedicated to residential use, in the form of 24 highly amenitized, lifestyle-driven" condos, with sweeping water and downtown views.

The Indigo Road Hospitality Group , based in Charleston, South Carolina, has been chosen to help develop, market, open and operate the project.

In a unanimous decision, Naples City Council recently denied plans for new hotel rooms on Fifth Avenue South, seeing them as the wrong fit. Council unilaterally saw the hotel rooms, included as part of a new mixed-used building, as overdevelopment. The rooms would have sat atop a new restaurant.

In case you missed it: City council rejects proposal for more hotel rooms on Fifth Avenue South in downtown Naples

Others are mulling hotel projects elsewhere in the county.

Columbia Sussex, a privately owned company based in Kentucky, recently proposed a 400,000-square-foot Marriott hotel, with 438 rooms, on a 4.25-acre site in East Naples, but it's rethinking those plans after facing neighborhood opposition.

Currently vacant, the property used to be home to the Little Italy and Checkers Drive-In restaurants. It's sandwiched between Frederick Street and Palm Street. 

In its application for a commercial planned unit development, or CPUD, Columbia Sussex sought approval for a hotel and convention center at a zoned height of 124 feet, and an actual height of 136 feet, which met with resistance. In part, the developer asked for substantially more than the allowed building height on the site to make room for a three-story garage, which would have stretched more than 40 feet above ground.

A smaller hotel is allowed by right today.

More boutique hotels are sprouting

The 239, a three-story, mixed-use building planned on the southeast corner of Bayshore Drive and Areca Avenue in East Naples, will have a hotel with eight expansive luxury suites, including balconies, plus a rooftop pool, for guests.

A 150-seat sit-down restaurant on the first floor, and a bar on the rooftop would be open to the community.

On the ground floor there will be retail shops and offices.

On property next door, the same local developers behind The 239, Michael Whalen and Adam Holman, are refurbishing traditional one-bedroom and studio apartments flooded by Ian, turning them into mid-century modern bungalows for nightly rentals.

"Everything has been approved. We have started construction," Whalen said.

The hotel should welcome its first guests by the second quarter of 2025, he said, while the bungalows, in a tropical setting, should be available for rent later this year.

Planning for the mixed-use building began in 2021, and construction started in January, Whalen said.

"We are just two local guys trying to improve the community," he said.

Other projects that have been pitched, but not yet approved in the Bayshore/Gateway Triangle area of East Naples, targeted for redevelopment by the county, include:

• A 23-room four-story boutique hotel off Bayshore Drive, south of Lunar Street. With three stories over parking, the new building, spanning 55,680 square feet, has been under review by county staff since 2021.
• A mixed-use development with three stories on Bayshore Drive, between Barrett and Van Buren Avenue. The proposed building, at 7,540 square feet, would include a restaurant with covered outdoor dining, offices and retail stores. The second and third floors would have hotel rooms and the roof (terrace) would include a pool and bar. County staff is still waiting for more information from the applicants to move forward.

Meanwhile, Neapolitan Enterprises is considering options for developing property it owns in Crayton Cove, which may include a hotel, said Barbara Walker, the company's president. 

The company has obtained the necessary permits from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the US Army Corps of Engineers to build a new marina next to land it owns near the Naples City Dock. 

"Right now, we are exploring the best options for development of the adjacent uplands properties, which include the former site of a worn strip center heavily damaged by Hurricane Ian, a vacant site to the south fronting on Naples Bay, and a vacant site west of the Bleu Provence Restaurant. That development may well include a small high-end boutique hotel, but that determination has not yet been made," Walker said.

In the Naples Design District, the pioneering Wynn family plans a new mixed-use building, between the new Gulfshore Playhouse and The Collective, that includes 18 lodging units, for the use of actors performing at the playhouse.

New lodging projects are planned as far out as Immokalee, with a petition filed with the county to demolish the 15-unit Budget Inn Motel, off Main Street, so it can be replaced by a more modern hotel, with 38 rooms, by the owners.

County records show a 90-room Tru Hotel is planned on vacant land off Juliet Boulevard, near the Walmart Supercenter, close to Interstate 75, but it awaits final approval of its site development plan – after the granting of a parking reduction.

Upscale hotel to replace Beacon Bowl

Off U.S. 41, near Pine Ridge Road, in North Naples, where the Beacon Bowl has long stood, Naples-based Gulf Coast Commercial Corp. plans to build a small boutique hotel, with 70 rooms. The alley, an institution at the site since 1958, is set to close Aug. 31.

Gulf Coast Commercial's founder and CEO Phil McCabe is no stranger to the hotel industry, having developed several properties in Collier County, including the iconic Inn on Fifth, which he operated for more than 25 years in downtown Naples before selling it.

His latest project will cater to the affluent, with an exclusive private club called Sterling's that will only be open to hotel guests, or members.

"It's meant to be positioned with Waterside, on that level of demographic," McCabe said, referring to the upscale shopping center across the street.

"I studied it, and it has the zoning for what I'm doing already," he said. "The entitlements are in place."

A six-story building is planned, with rooftop pools for guests, including one for adults, and another for families. Along with the pools, there will be hot tubs, a fire pit, and a restaurant, for the overnight visitors.

The hotel will also offer a state-of-the-art wellness center.

On the ground floor, the building will have two high-end national restaurants "on the level of a Capital Grille or higher," open to all, McCabe said.

He described the architecture as iconic, and complementary to the grandeur of Pelican Bay's residential and commercial buildings nearby.

It's a project he's doing with his two sons.

While all the particulars of the private club haven't been worked out yet, McCabe sees it as a cross between the opulent Annabel’s in London and the sports- and fitness-focused New York Athletic Club, "all to the luxury of a 5-star hotel."

He foresees the club hosting everything from TED talks and world-renowned musicians to award-winning vintners and chefs.

The hotel's name – The Carnelian – is meant to "reflect the warmth, vibrancy, and creativity the Carnelian stone represents," he said. It's considered a stone of kings and royalty.

Construction is expected to start this fall and should take about 18 months.

Long-time hotelier remains bullish on tourism in Collier County

Despite the growing competition, McCabe said he remains confident in his project, and the destination. He pointed out the county has lost inventory in recent years, with the closing of the Naples Beach Hotel, the Lemon Tree Inn and the former Collins Hotel, which had 137 rooms, purchased by a medical group for offices.

From our archives: Long-time hotel in Naples purchased for redevelopment, what's to know

While the Great Wolf Lodge will add hundreds more rooms, it will draw a different crowd than his hotel, and seems "way out there" because it's so far east of his property, McCabe said.

"That's out in the Everglades," he quipped.

He thinks he's chosen the prime spot about halfway between the new Four Seasons Resort and the Ritz-Carlton, Naples, for a hotel of the same caliber, but on a more intimate scale.

While several hotels are planned in East Naples, McCabe said financing is tough, with tighter lending standards, and higher interest rates and construction costs, so it could be years before those projects come out of the ground, especially the larger ones, as proposed.

He doesn't expect any significant slowdown in tourism at the high end of the market in Naples, and he thinks new offerings are good for the destination, including recent improvements to the Ritz-Carlton resorts.

Last summer, the new and improved Ritz reopened on Vanderbilt Beach, after a whipping from Ian.

The coastal property remained open during a multimillion-dollar renovation, until Ian swamped it with water and sand, and lashed it with high winds, forcing it to close for nearly a year.

Upgrades to the resort include the new Vanderbilt Tower, with an expansive new club lounge and more than 70 more spacious club-level guest rooms.

In locations around the world, the club-level experience offers a dedicated concierge and exclusive access to the club lounge, "where daily culinary presentations highlight the quintessential flavors and traditions of the destination." It comes with more luxury, and a higher nightly rate.

In case you missed it: Ritz-Carlton, Naples, slammed by Ian, reopens bigger, better, on Vanderbilt Beach

Earlier: Ritz-Carlton, Naples, slammed by Hurricane Ian, to reopen bigger and better in July

Sister property The Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón, has undergone big improvements, too, adding to its offerings, but not its room count. New additions include the Reservoir waterpark and the Latin American-inspired restaurant Ría.

"For nearly four decades, The Ritz-Carlton Resorts of Naples have been committed to delivering unparalleled luxury in Naples. Our recent strategic investments and vision for both resorts underscore a deep commitment to the holistic growth and enduring beauty of Naples," said Mark Ferland, area general manager.

He said the investments will continue into the future.

The LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort on Vanderbilt Beach recently completed an 18-month restoration, following significant damages from Hurricane Ian. The extensive project included upgrades to the resort's 189 guest rooms, the complete rebuild of the famed Beach House, and the refurbishment of four beachside pools.

More hotel rooms could mean lower occupancy

It's clear that American travelers are very interested in experiences and they're willing to pay for high-end experiences, if they can – a positive for a high-end destination such as Naples, said Freitag, with CoStar.

However, it also stands to reason that with a greater supply of rooms, comes lower occupancy, if demand isn't growing at the same rate.

"That's just math," Freitag remarked.

He added: "There is going to be a lot more competition, but of course, each owner and each developer feels their hotel is the hotel that is needed in the market."

Top markets for hotel expansions in the U.S.

Hotels and resorts aren't just expanding in Collier County. It's part of a national trend.

According to the CoStar Group, here are the top five markets based on new openings expected in 2024:

• New York, 40, 4,742 rooms
• Dallas, 21, 2,422 rooms
• Austin, 17, 1,562 rooms
• Atlanta, 17, 1,879 rooms
• Inland Empire, 16, 1,591 rooms

All of those markets have more hotels and resorts under construction that won't be ready to open this year.

Top 5 Sales

Collier County has seen some eye-popping sales of hotel and resort properties, especially in recent years. Here's a look at the Top 5 over the past decade:

• Naples Beach Hotel, $362.28 million. While the sale of the 125-acre site included a hotel and a golf course, it was more of a land transaction and springboard for a new luxury development.
• Naples Grande Beach Resort, $248 million. This includes the sale of the resort, the Naples Grande Golf Club, and a tennis center, with its land.
• LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort, $185.5 million. The sale included a 23-slip marina on Vanderbilt Bay, but not the golf course.
• The Inn on Fifth Naples, $156 million. This transaction included the inn, and land a block north of it, with the potential for development.
• Marriott Vacation Club Crystal Shores, $108.16 million. This involved two transactions, for a total 114 units.

Sources: List provided by CoStar Group, with added information from Maxwell, Hendry & Simmons LLC.

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